Women's Studies

"Women's studies," I tell her. Since starting college, my broader reading had helped me see how my decisions, my opportunities, and my very dreams were shaped by others. To escape, I had turned to a literature, a philosophy, and an ethic of liberation. I hoped.

Rose's eyes widen. "Women's studies? What'cha going to do with that kind of major?"

I swallow and clear my throat. "I don't know yet, but I know that in order to move the world, I need a lever and a place to stand. Critical analysis is the lever, and female solidarity is the place to stand." I'd been rehearsing that answer, and I don't think it came out that badly.

Rose blinks. "You know, I think Jenny down the hall, she's taken some women's studies classes," she says. "Maybe she could give you the low-down on what the department is like."

I raise an eyebrow at this. It would depend on what sort of person Jenny is, whether her advice would do me any good. "Okay," I say, accepting her suggestion without committing to any action. It looks like Rose isn't going to make any more sudden moves to hug me, so I relax a tiny bit and remove my hand from my pocket, leaving my "compact personal safety device" inside.

I write down Jenny's room number and add it to my "To Consider" list.

TO CONSIDER:

• Visit the Women's Resource Center. They have fliers about community courses and classes on self defense and safety awareness.
• Talk to Ms. Joycelyn Boatman, undergrad advisor for W ST and get her advice.
• Browse the catalog and textbooks to see what I might want to take. Remember breadth requirements too. (See List B, Non-major options).
• Talk to Jenny in Room 512. Rose says she's taken some W ST classes.